For fourteen years, we knew this day would come, but we could never be ready for this impossible reality. This morning, Cammy put her superhero cape on one last time. She continued to teach us to the very end as she showed immense courage, love, and peacefulness as Cammy Can flew off our world for what we truly believe will be an eternity free from the constraints of a body with which she was ever so patient. She was surrounded by her most favorite people, listening to Andrea Bocelli. We are comforted knowing Cammy was loved unconditionally and is now free to run and play. I know she ran straight into my parents’ arms and will look over us every single day.
We know why Cammy loved Sesame Street so much. It is the world she imagined for all of us. Cammy saw herself in so many of the characters. The wonder of Elmo. The knowledge of Bert. The exuberance of Grover. The sass of Oscar. The magic of Abby. She possessed all of those qualities and she lived by the song…
Kind at home and when you play
Try some sharing and caring every day
You're getting smarter, stronger, kinder
On Sesame Street.
We will never stop working towards the day that no other family will have to experience this profound loss. As part of her never ending giving, we are proud to share that Cammy was accepted to Harvard to be part of the Rett syndrome brain bank to help researchers uncover the mysteries of Rett syndrome.
If you feel the need to take action, a donation to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation in Cammy’s memory would soothe our souls. In the days and weeks to come, we would be honored to read your stories about Cammy below.
We shall continue to live our lives with the strength, perseverance, love, and kindess of Cammy Can.